VIDEO. Exclusive Footage Featuring Armenia's New National Hero, Colonel Gegham Gabrielyan

Facebook user Aram Torosyan wrote: “COLONEL GEGHAM GABRIELYAN would have turned 44 on February 23. Exclusive footage from the 44-day war featuring Colonel Gegham Gabrielyan. Gabrielyan has posthumously been awarded the title of National Hero. Today, the Chief of Staff of the RA Armed Forces, Knight of the First Class Order of Battle Cross, Colonel Gegham Gabrielyan would have been 44 years old (of which 27 were spent in military service). Gegham Gabrielyan received his officer rank at the age of 17 and served his homeland and the Armenian people.

For many years, he held various responsible positions in defensive sectors and military units. Under Gegham Gabrielyan's command, the Martuni Second Defensive Zone was recognized as one of the best units of the Armed Forces for years. During the war, his skillful actions and decisions in the south helped withstand disproportionate force for some time. The chief of staff was in trenches, fields, and valleys with the soldiers. Many soldiers say that they executed his orders with more courage because they trusted him, knowing he was a soldier-focused, knowledgeable, professional officer. Gabrielyan fell bravely on October 15.

I appeal to the authorities of Armenia and Artsakh. To the RA Ministry of Defense, to the Defense Army of Artsakh, to Nikol Pashinyan. Gegham Gabrielyan's military service, life, and exceptional heroism in the war must be studied by the relevant authorities. After objective study, it is impossible not to conclude that Gegham Gabrielyan should be posthumously awarded the title of National Hero. Heroes cannot be any other way. His thousands of soldiers and their parents will attest and join this appeal.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, HERO COMMANDER. GEGHAM EDIK GABRIELYAN. Born on 23.02.1977 in the village of Khantsk, Askeran region of Artsakh.

Education: 1985-1994 Secondary School; 1997-2001 Faculty of Law at Shushi People's Institute; 2002-2004 Graduated with honors from the Military Academy of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation.

Positions held: - Commander of the 1st platoon of the 2nd company of the 3rd training battalion - Commander of the 9th company - Deputy commander of the 3rd training battalion - Chief of Staff - Commander of the 3rd training battalion - Training company commander - Commander of the 2nd training rifle battalion - Division chief - Deputy commander of the battalion - Chief of Staff, Deputy commander of the defensive zone - Division chief - Chief of Staff, Deputy commander of the defensive zone - Commander of the defensive zone - Deputy commander of the division for combat readiness - Chief of Staff, Deputy commander of the corps.

He was drafted into the armed forces in March 1994 without finishing 10th grade. He received the rank of lieutenant on September 2, 1994, at the age of 17. Gegham Gabrielyan was married and had three children: Eduard, Elizabeth, and Erik.